Big thanks to Sherry and Paige! It's so nice to be able to bounce ideas off of you guys and my grammar would be horrid without you!

Also, today is my six-month anniversary of being on fanfiction! So, this is my special anniversary chapter! Yay!

"It's not time to make a change

Just relax, take it easy

You're still young, that's your fault

There's so much you have to know

Find a girl, settle down

If you want you can marry

Look at me, I am old, but I'm happy"

-Cat Stevens-

EPOV:

Dad has been a huge help since he has returned. When he isn't working, he is helping me get my finances in order. At first, I was quite down on myself, having to go to my father for help at my age. Perhaps my pride has kept me from seeking help sooner. I wonder where I could have been now if I came home and admitted that I had a problem. It's hard to find yourself in a dark time when you can barely see the light. Charlie is my light now, and the darkness that has surrounded me for so long has dissipated.

Now that my dad is on my side, I feel hopeful for my future. Hearing him say he was proud…there are no words to describe how those words made me feel. It's been a long time since I have made anyone proud. That thought is depressing. I had existed for so long and contributed so little.

I've had my job for a little over a month now and I finally have a good amount saved up in my brand new bank account. I feel lighter now that my life has more direction, and every time I put a paycheck in my bank account, I can't wipe the smile off of my face. Luckily, I don't have any debt to think about, and all the money I earn, that I'm not spending on Charlie, I can save.

After receiving my first paycheck, I immediately went to the store to buy a toy for Charlie. It felt wonderful, being able to give something to someone else. I knew nothing about which toys were age appropriate, but luckily, there was an older saleswoman that was more than happy to help me. I ended up buying a stuffed Pooh bear and a baby gym…I just couldn't help myself. Charlie had a baby gym already, but this one had a space theme. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…I was a total nerd. Hard to believe, I know.

Charlie loved it, or from what I could tell from his babbling and giggles. I love watching him play, it makes me happy seeing him happy. I feel so accomplished, knowing I bought him the toys he was enjoying so much. Seeing him content definitely helps my confidence as his new guardian.

With a good chunk saved, I have been looking for apartments in town. I never realized how expensive an apartment could be when you aren't sharing the cost with multiple roommates. The cheapest I could find was five hundred for a one bedroom, but the part of town it was in wasn't the best. I can't take any chances with Charlie. After looking on my own, dad went with me since he knew the area much better than I did.

I was thankful for him. Mom was home to watch Charlie, as dad and I went apartment hunting. It was nice to have some alone time with him. I can't remember the last time we had time together, just him and me, if we ever did. Today has been the third day of our hunt, and finally, I'm seeing a few good options. One stands out to me, a two-bedroom apartment on the second floor of a complex in the city. The neighborhood is good and the city is relatively safe. It's the last available apartment in the complex, and with my father's encouragement, I jump on the deal.

"Congratulations son," dad smiles, as I leave the complex, now an owner of my own apartment.

"Thanks dad." I can't wipe the grin off of my face. "I can't believe the deal we got."

Seven hundred a month plus utilities, for an apartment that usually would go for around a grand, I can't believe we were so lucky. It was written in the stars, that is for sure. We go to lunch to celebrate and I ignore the bar that sits in the corner of the restaurant.

"How has it been for you, dad?" I've never really had the chance to talk to him about his feelings toward Seth's death.

Dad stares at his drink, looking years older all of the sudden. His posture has changed and his face has dropped, making all of his wrinkles prominent. When he finally meets my eyes, I'm devastated by the pain I see in them. He has always been the strong one, an expert at hiding his emotions and holding down the fort.

"It's been difficult, I won't lie to you Edward. I've had to deal with Seth's death and take care of Charlie and your mother…you know how your mother is Edward. She can't handle a mess, she needs everything neat and easy."

I stare at him, astounded by how honest he was being. "You have always been the strong one in the family," I say with a weak smile. "You always made us feel as if everything was going to be alright…I admired you for that."

"Well, don't admire people too much Edward, they can disappoint you sometimes."

I stare at him as he looks over the menu, looking for a means of distracting himself. I admired him as a kid, even when he was really having it out with me I admired his strength. He has been the anchor in our family since I could remember. Even after Seth's death, he hasn't faltered.

"Have I disappointed you dad?" I ask, not knowing if I want to hear a sincere answer.

I feel so young all the sudden. Like a child wanting their parents' approval.

"Edward, you could never disappoint me, you're my son."

I smile, feeling embarrassed all of the sudden. He smiles as well. We order lunch and eat in a comfortable silence, every now and then, we discuss work. I feel closer to him than I have felt toward anyone in years. The bill comes, and although I offer to pay, dad takes the check.

"I'm proud of you Edward, getting your life on track like this. I always knew you could do it."

I know he was being honest, he always thought I was capable of great things. I must have hurt him, when I left. Throwing my life away and leaving him to watch. I don't know how he had the strength to patiently wait for me to return to him. I don't know how he had the strength to accept me with open arms when I did. I wonder if he can feel my desperation to be better.

"I love you, dad."

His eyes mist with tears, and he pulls me into a strong embrace. We stand in the parking lot for a long time. Just holding each other as if I had been lost for a long time and was finally found…which in some ways I suppose I have.

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed that father/son chapter! Now that Edward has his apartment, he will be meeting a certain beautiful brunette. I can't wait to introduce Bella to this story. I know you guys have been dying for her arrival, and I've just been teasing you.

Please review! It would be very cool of you to do so, because I love hearing what you guys have to say!

Song- "Father & Son" by Cat Stevens. (The Johnny Cash cover is great as well).